Rayland finances in solid shape

February 10, 2009

RAYLAND - Finances, Mazeroski Park and waterlines were among the topics covered by Mayor Tammy Morelli when she gave her "state of the village" report at a recent meeting of Rayland Village Council.

The village ended 2008 in a solid financial condition with every fund in the black, according to Morelli. She added that doesn't mean the village doesn't have money problems, and "we have to be careful how we spend the people's money; it is always a challenge to keep the village funds in the black."

Work was done to upgrade all equipment, rides and buildings at Mazeroski Park. She added that the park is rented almost every day during the summer, and it is heavily used.

The mayor went on to say continuous maintenance of the park is necessary during the summer, and it's a good thing that the rental fees almost pay for maintenance.

Morelli also told of the catch basin and drainage culvert installed by the Ohio Department of Transportation under Ohio 150 from the park side of the state route to the Short Creek side. This is to catch the rainwater runoff from Ohio 150 and Stringer Street in order to drain it into Short Creek rather than Mazeroski Park.

Village officials, the mayor said, are in the process of applying for grants from different sources to replace waterlines, hydrants and shutoffs on Church and Main streets. This effort began in 2008.

All other waterlines, hydrants and shutoffs are in good working order, Morelli said.

The waterline breaks that occurred have been repaired, and these were on either Church or Main streets.

The mayor also reported on efforts to solve the water pressure problem in the village. One shutoff valve has been replaced, and another was eliminated.

She said village officials are working with Tiltonsville and Jefferson County water officials about this matter, and the problem has been alleviated somewhat but it is an ongoing process until the problem is completely solved.

Morelli said the village has three community service workers, and one of them is going to paint the police room and possibly lower the ceiling. The air conditioner in the municipal building needs to be replaced.